The first anniversary celebration of the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Dr Seyi Jakande, turned into a major show of political endorsement as top Lagos APC leaders and stakeholders gathered to celebrate what they described as a year of visible grassroots development.

At the event, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised Jakande for making the party proud through projects and empowerment programmes that directly impact residents.

“Thank you for making our party proud. What we are seeing here is what grassroots leadership should be about — touching lives and giving people hope,” Ojelabi said.

Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, also commended the council boss, describing his first year as a period of purposeful leadership and measurable impact.

GAC leader, Bashorun Olorunfunmi, and Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) equally joined the chorus of commendation, applauding Jakande for prioritising empowerment, infrastructure and human development.

Responding to the commendations, Jakande said his administration was only getting started.

“One year is only the beginning. We are committed to doing more for our people and ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt across every community in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye,” he said.

Jakande explained that his administration’s HEWA Agenda, Health and Environmental Sustainability, Education and Empowerment, Works and Security, and Agriculture, Tourism, and Culture, had guided its programmes during the first year.

The council highlighted free health insurance coverage for 1,500 residents, medical outreaches, Electronic Medical Records and the commissioning of the Kayode Primary Healthcare Centre.

In education, the Back-to-School Initiative provided learning materials to pupils, while the Jako Jollof Initiative introduced weekly nutritious meals for public primary school pupils. GCE forms and bursaries were also provided to deserving students.

More than 600 residents also graduated from vocational and digital skills programmes covering shoemaking, catering, fashion design, hairdressing, make-up, electrical and solar installation, data analysis, graphics, animation and full-stack web development, and were presented with start-up kits. 

The council further announced the completion of 18 road and drainage projects, with four more roads under construction.

However, the biggest attraction of the anniversary was the unveiling of the ₦500 million Mega Empowerment Programme, featuring the ₦250 million interest-free ILE-OWO loan scheme for small businesses and residents.

The package also includes empowerment grants, support for businesses and residents, assistance for 302 Street Assistants, and nine commercial buses for qualified beneficiaries.

Jakande said the objective was to move residents beyond receiving assistance to becoming business owners and employers of labour.

The event attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and residents, including Aremo Adeyemi Alli, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, former LCDA chairman Hon. Rasak Olusola Ajala, APC LCDA Chairman Hon. Ismail Babatunde (TUNKAZ), the Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru, and the Oba of Òdì-Olowo, Oba Sikiru Olamide Williams.

Also present were the chairman’s mother, Alhaja Sikirat Jakande, and his wife, Mrs Adebimpe Jakande, alongside several political leaders and community stakeholders.